Specialised Diplomas

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Summary of Learning Outcomes and Content 

 

 

For Lines of Learning in

 

 

Construction and Built Environment[1]

 

Creative and Media

 

Engineering

 

 Health and Social Care

 

IT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Common features of Specialised Diplomas

 

Purpose

Specialised Diplomas are qualifications that will provide an exciting, stretching and relevant programme of learning for all young people.  Each Diploma will have pathways to accommodate a wide range of aspirations.  They are being designed to appeal to the most capable students preparing for the most demanding university courses, to students who would engage better with the innovative diploma approach than with existing provision, and, where appropriate, to students planning to enter the workforce directly from their diploma studies.

 

Diplomas will give young people a real alternative to traditional learning styles by offering an imaginative, high quality blend of general education and applied learning.

 

Above all, Specialised Diplomas will help young people of all abilities to realise their potential.  Students need the education to thrive in a constantly changing global economy; the Diploma brings together employers and educators to help prepare students for life and work.

 

What will Diplomas look like?

Diplomas will be available at Levels 1, 2 and 3.  In terms of workload and achievement, Level 1 will be equivalent to four to five GCSEs at grades D-G (600 guided learning hours) and Level 2 to five to six GCSEs at grades A*-C (800 guided learning hours), while Level 3 will be equivalent to three A levels (1080 guided learning hours).   A level 3 progression qualification equivalent to two A levels (720 guided learning hours) will also be available.

 

Diplomas at all levels[2] will incorporate:

 

Principal Learning – this will develop knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to a broad economic sector, using realistic contexts and leading-edge sector relevant materials.

 

Additional/specialist learning – this will allow learners to tailor their programme according to interests and aspirations. This may include further specialisation, or complementary studies.

 

Generic learning - this will ensure that all Diploma students cover common generic skills which are relevant to successful learning and future employment.  This includes personal learning and thinking skills (PLTS), a project and maths, English and ICT user skills (functional skills) and work experience.  This generic learning will often be embedded across the Principal Learning of the Diploma.

 

Details on the structure, assessment and grading of the Specialised Diploma have been published by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and can be found at www.qca.org.uk/1158_15782.html.

 


 

 

Current position

Statements of Content

 

Each Diploma Development Partnership (led by Sector Skills Councils, working closely with key stakeholders, including employers, representatives from schools, further education, higher education, SSDA, QCA and DfES) has developed a Statement of Content that will form the basis of qualification development, to be undertaken by awarding bodies and DDPs working in partnership.  It is anticipated that the contents of the Statements of Content will be subject to further refinement and iteration as the qualification develops.

 

The Statement of Content for the Creative and Media line of learning is to be the subject of further consultation through to 31 September, to ensure that employers’ needs are met.  Further consultation with employers will also be taking place in the health and social care sector.  In all cases, however, the Statements of Content provide a sound basis on which qualification development will now start.

 

Qualification development

 

The qualification development process will continue until March 2007, at which point awarding bodies submit qualifications to QCA for accreditation.   Prior to this, there will be two checkpoint consultations, probably around November 2006 and February 2007, to ensure that the emerging qualifications meet the needs of all parties.  Accredited qualifications will be published by September 2007, in advance of first teaching in September 2008.

 

Diploma Gateway process

 

The materials will also help schools, colleges and other providers to make decisions about offering Specialised Diplomas in September 2008.  A Specialised Diploma Gateway process has been established to assess the readiness of providers to offer the Diplomas.  Local Authorities were asked to collate expressions of interest by 7 July.  The DfES will publish detailed Gateway criteria in September.  Consortia of providers will work with Local Authorities and the Learning and Skills Council to complete self-assessment procedures by the end of December. Regional assessment panels will validate self-assessments during January and February 2007 and either support continued development towards a September 2008 start or steer providers towards September 2009.  Further details of the Gateway procedures can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/index.cfm?sid=3&pid=224&ctype=None&ptype=Contents.

 

Summaries of content

 

The summaries that follow describe in outline the purpose, themes and topics of each Diploma.  The form in which this information is presented does not imply particular approaches to teaching, learning and assessment of Diploma content. Further details, including detailed learning outcomes, content and information on approaches to delivery, will be found by following the links to the websites of each DDP.  

 

Questions about Diplomas should be directed to the joint DfES, QCA, SSDA enquiry point diploma@qca.org.uk


Summaries of content

Overall structure of Diplomas (proportions of each component vary by level, and, within specified ranges, by Diploma)

 

PRINCIPAL LEARNING

 

Themes

Developed in the context of specified topics/disciplines

 

 

 

Topics/disciplines

 

 

 

 

based on experiential learning and contextualised and embedded in principal learning

GENERIC LEARNING

 

Functional skills in:

·          Maths

·          English

·          ICT

Personal, learning and thinking skills

 

Project

·          encourage independent learning

·          sector-relevant

·          draw on and integrate learning across Diploma

Planning and reviewing

 

No separate assessment

 

 

 

Work experience

·          at least 10 days

·          recognise sector skills when set in relevant settings

·          develop general employability skills in other settings

ADDITIONAL/ SPECIALIST LEARNING

 

·          units chosen by the learner

·          allowing specialisation or complementary learning

·          may include some national curriculum key stage 4 entitlement areas

·          supports choice and progression within a coherent whole

·          may include units at a higher level than the overall level of the Diploma, or modules from higher education at level 3

·          Diplomas will identify units that can be combined to allow learners to explore the sector in ways relevant to them

·          in some sectors, options may be grouped together in pathways

 

 

 

 

 


Construction and Built Environment

 

Purpose

 

Overall:

 

To provide, through a blend of general education and applied learning a programme which:

 

·         introduces young people to the fabric of the world in which we live;

·         develops an understanding of its impact on individuals and communities;

·         progressively builds an understanding of the physical extent and significance of the built environment and of the activities which shape develop and influence it.

 

Level 1:

To provide an introductory programme that:

 

·         explores the nature and extent of the built environment;

·         introduces the phases of the built environment life cycle;

·         explores construction methods and techniques;

·         explores the roles of individuals employed within the built environment.

 

Level 2:

To provide a programme that develops a broad understanding and working knowledge of:

 

·         design considerations and architectural features associated with the built environment;

·         the specific job roles and skills associated with the key functions in the built environment;

·         the preparation and use of drawings and other technical information;

·         the properties of materials used in the built environment;

·         the tools and practical techniques used in the design, construction, maintenance and management of the built environment.

 

Level 3:

To provide a programme that develops a range of analytical and investigative skills and knowledge in relation to:

 

·         the social, economic and cultural contribution of the built environment to individuals and the community;

·         the factors and principles influencing design, creation, maintenance and management of the built environment;

·         the contribution of activities within the built environment;

·         the resourcing and management of projects in the built environment;

·         the specific job roles and skills associated with key functions in the built environment.


 

Principal Learning Themes:

 

Theme

Level

 

1

2

3

Design the built environment

Factors influencing design; how planning impacts on design; sustainability and environmental protection; properties of a range of materials and their impact on design; why structures are designed in the way they are; design principles illustrated through design of a simple structure

Factors influencing the design process, planning requirements and their impact on design; use of utilities and the use and properties of materials; the nature and use of sustainable materials and their influence on design; technical information used in design; common structural forms and building elements; design principles illustrated through design of and evaluation of a complex structure

Historical and political infrastructure, including transport, economic, social and aesthetic factors; stages of the design and planning processes; influence of health, safety and environmental factors; provision of primary services utilities to the design of buildings; impact of projected climate change on design, minimising energy demand and reducing emissions

Create the built environment

Construction materials and methods over time; safe working practices to undertake basic operations; major requirements for health and safety and environmental protection; use of range of hand tools and equipment; use of sustainable materials and processes; specified job roles; basic technical information

Main job roles, relationships, career pathways, qualifications and progression; range of technical information; methods and techniques used in construction of ground works, substructures and external works; range of hazards and risks; good practice in safe working techniques; range of tools, materials and personal protective equipment

Main job roles, relationships, career pathways, qualifications and progression; ways of protecting and maintaining the environment; range of project management tools and techniques, including quality assurance and project monitoring; health, safety and environmental factors; existing and developing processes used in the creation of the built environment; conserving natural resources and recycling waste


 

Theme

Level

 

1

2

3

Value and use of the built environment

Impact of existing infrastructure and transport services on people and places; ensuring the welfare of people using the built environment; use of sustainable materials and processes; life cycle of structures and their contribution to economic and social development

Social, environmental and economic components and benefits of sustainability; contribution of built environment to physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing and economic prosperity; activities and roles in maintenance and service support functions; facilities management and support services; property services and housing

Engaging stakeholders and communities; ways of protecting and maintaining the environment; social, economic and commercial contribution of built environment to wider community; role of asset management in economic and social development; protecting the physical structure of the built environment

 


 

Additional and specialist topics and pathways[3]:

 

Additional topics will be available in languages at each level, in customer service at levels 1 and 2 and in health and fitness at level 1. Further additional topics will be created during qualification development.

 

Specialist topics will be available as follows:

 

Level

Pathways

Specialist (depth)

1

 

 

Not applicable at this level

Construction and the built environment and its impact on individuals and communities

 

 

Handling and storing resources

 

 

Investigating building maintenance

 

 

Living in the built environment

 

 

Supporting the built environment

 

 

Modern methods of construction

 

 

Building services engineering

 

 

Engineering construction

2

Construction

Performing within wood related construction operations

 

 

Performing within trowel related construction operations

 

 

Performing within decorative related construction operations

 

 

Performing within construction and civil engineering operations

 

 

Performing within construction industrial pipefitting operations

 

 

Performing within metal related operations

 

 

Management of resources, plant and equipment

 

 

Installation and assembly of prefabricated units

 

 

Performing structural steelworking operations

 

 

Performing glazing operations

 

 

Welding and fabrication

 

Building Services Engineering

Building services engineering

 

 

Performing plumbing operations (double topic)

 

 

Performing refrigeration and air-conditioning operations (double topic)

 

 

Performing electrical installation operations (double topic)

 

 

Performing heating and ventilation operations (double topic)

 

Management of built assets

Facilities management and support services

 

 

Housing services

 

 

Surveying for the built environment

 

 

Sale and letting of residential, industrial and commercial property

 

 

Planning in construction and the built environment

 

 

Introduction to valuation

 

 

Community management and regeneration

Level

Pathways

Specialist (depth)

2

Available in any pathway[4]

Performing built environment maintenance operations

 

 

Relationship of construction and the built environment to the wider community

 

 

Design in construction and the built environment

3

Construction

Relationship of construction and the built environment to the wider community

 

 

Site surveying (double topic)

 

 

 

Civil engineering construction (double topic)

 

 

Energy and utility supply (double topic)

 

 

Construction health and safety (double topic)

 

 

Setting out processes (double topic)

 

Building Services Engineering

Integrated facilities management and support services

 

 

Building services engineering (electrical) (triple topic)

 

 

Building services engineering (mechanical) (triple topic)

 

Management of Built Assets Pathway

Sale, letting and management of built assets

 

 

Valuation services

 

 

Relationship of the built environment to the wider environment and community

 

 

Integrated facilities management and support services

 

 

Community management and regeneration

 

 

Housing management services

 

 

Site surveying

 

 

Residential block management

 

 

Building surveying and support services

 

Management in the Built Environment Pathway

Financial management and control

 

 

Supply chain relationship management

 

 

Managing the built environment

 

Management in the Built Environment Pathway (cont)

Team leadership and participation

 

Available in any pathway[5]

The regulatory framework and compliance

 

 

Planning the built environment

 

 

Technical drawing

 

 

Client, customer and supplier management in the built environment

Level

Pathways

Specialist (depth)

3

 

Mathematical techniques in construction and the built environment (quadruple topic)

 

 

Measuring, tendering and estimating processes in construction and the built environment

 

 

Sciences and materials in construction and the built environment (triple topic)

 

 

Structural mechanics

 

 

Design

 

 

Renewable energy sources

 

 

Heritage (double topic)

 

 

CAD

 

 

 

 

Detailed information about the Diploma in Construction and Built Environment can be found at www.cbediploma.co.uk

 

 

 

 


 

Creative and Media

 

Purpose

 

Overall:

 

To provide, through a blend of general education and applied learning a programme which:

 

·         develops creativity and confidence in young people’s ability to think, question, explore, create and communicate;

·         develops knowledge and skills in the broad context of the creative and media sector;

·         focuses on processes within the sector, enabling young people to apply their skills and knowledge in a range of contexts.

 

Level 1:

To provide an introductory programme that:

 

·         provides a basic introduction to a range of creative and media sectors;

·         develops knowledge of the sectors and practical skills central to a range of disciplines;

·         builds the basic skills required for realising individual creativity.

 

Level 2:

To provide a programme that develops a broad understanding and working knowledge of:

 

·         the tools with which to explore creative ideas;

·         practical skills, materials and technologies, applied in a range of disciplines;

·         the production processes and transferable skills in a range of creative and media sectors.

             

Level 3:

To provide a programme that develops a range of analytical and investigative skills and knowledge in relation to:

 

·         advanced practical skills, materials and technologies, applied in a range of disciplines;

·         application and critical analysis

·         inter-disciplinary application of skills and knowledge.

 

 


 

Principal Learning Themes[6]:

 

Theme

Purpose

Creativity in context

 

 

To engender an awareness of the wider context of creative production and of the activities of the creative and media sectors.  Learners will be encouraged to adapt a degree of criticality, appropriate to the level of learning, informing their own response to the work of others, influencing their own creative process and learning to consider the influences and impact of the wider context

Thinking and working creatively

 

To foreground the skills and attitudes that will develop and nurture creativity.  The broad objectives will develop over the course and be evidenced in the planning and review process.  A range of tools and an environment conducive to strengthening creative problem solving and critical evaluation skills will be used to equip learners with the confidence and tenacity to follow creative ideas through to resolution

Principles, processes and practice

 

To develop practical skills and techniques at the heart of the creative production process, which, along with the theoretical knowledge that underpins them, will equip learners with the tools they require to realise and communicate their ideas.  Central to the theme is a focus on new and emerging technologies and platforms and the impact these are having on traditional practice, and the development of skills and techniques that are at the cutting edge of creative and media production

Creative businesses and enterprise

 

To develop learners’ knowledge of the business context of creative and media production, and to equip them with the skills to support future sustainability as practitioners in a commercial market place.  The learning objectives seek to develop a fundamental appreciation of the creative and media industries and knowledge of the skills required to succeed in a highly competitive and demanding market.

 

 

 

The themes are developed and applied in the context of the sectors and disciplines included in the Creative and Media Diploma.


 

Sectors and disciplines included in the Creative and Media Diploma

2D Visual Art

3D Visual Art

Craft

Graphic Design

Product Design

Textile Design

Footwear Design

Printing

Publishing

Advertising

Drama

Dance

Music

Film

Television

Radio

Interactive Media

Animation

Computer Games

Photo Imaging

Creative Writing

 

 

At level 1 the sectors and disciplines are grouped into four topics, and learners opt for one or more topics, depending on the agreed rules of combination

 

Level

Topics

Disciplines

1

Performing arts

Drama, music, dance

 

Visual arts

2D art, 3D art, craft

 

Design

Graphic design, product design, fashion design

 

Moving image

Film, television, animation

 

Digital and interactive media

Interactive media, computer games, photo imaging

 

At level 2 there will be a mandatory diagnostic induction module, introducing a range of creative and design skills and practices and informing decisions about options to study from the disciplines available at this level (number and therefore breadth of disciplines to be studied to be greater than at level 3 – details to be confirmed following further development work).

 

2

Diagnostic

Drama, music, dance

 

 

2D art, 3D art, craft

 

 

Graphic design, product design, fashion design, textile design, print & publishing, advertising

 

 

Film & television, radio

 

 

Interactive media, animation, computer games, photo imaging

 

 

Creative writing

 

At level 3 the diagnostic induction module will be mandatory for those learners who have not progressed from the level 2 Creative and Media Diploma.  It is proposed that learners are able to opt for five of the disciplines available enabling some degree of specialisation.

 

3

Diagnostic[7]

Drama, music, dance

 

 

2D art, 3D art, craft

 

 

Graphic design, product design, fashion design, textile design, print & publishing, advertising

 

 

Film, television, radio

 

 

Interactive media, animation, computer games, photo imaging

 

 

Creative writing

 

 

 

 

Additional and specialist topics and pathways:

Further details about additional and specialist topics and pathways will be available by 31 September

 

Detailed information about the Diploma in Creative and Media can be found at

www.skillset.org

 

 


Engineering

 

Purpose

 

Overall:

 

To provide, through a blend of general education and applied learning a programme which:

 

·         gives young people up to the minute skills, knowledge and understanding of the costs and benefits of engineering;

·         develops an understanding of the crucial role of engineering in shaping the world in which we live;

·         develops essential transferable skills associated with problem-solving, creative thinking, team working, communication and generating ideas.

 

Level 1:

To provide an introductory programme that:

 

·         stimulates and engages learners to pursue a career in engineering;

·         challenges preconceptions and explores opportunities in engineering;

·         gives learners an understanding of the ‘made world’ and the wonderful variety of choices available.

 

Level 2:

To provide a programme that develops a broad understanding and working knowledge of:

 

·         career opportunities available in engineering;

·         selected engineering specialisms;

·         general engineering principles that cover all the sectors and industries;

·         maths and science skills applied in engineering business contexts.

 

Level 3:

To provide a programme that develops a range of analytical and investigative skills and knowledge in relation to:

 

·         the ‘real world’ business context for engineering which is future orientated;

·         innovation and entrepreneurship, business and risk management in engineering;

·         advanced level engineering topics;

·         applied engineering science and maths that meet higher education entry and employer requirements.

 


 

Principal Learning Themes:

 

Theme

Level

 

1

2

3[8]

The Engineered World

 

 

 

Contribution of engineering to today’s world, in relation to careers, sectors, products and social and economic impact

Wide range of engineering sectors and careers and impact of engineering on everyday lives in relation to careers, sectors, products and social and economic impact.

Career and professional development, setting goals and objectives, exploring different progression opportunities through placements

Discovering Engineering Technology

 

 

 

Fundamental engineering principles and products; nature of engineering systems and materials; simple investigations and experiments on engineered products and systems for investigating basic engineering problems, all in relation to health and safety, use of tools and manual skills, working with engineering data, engineering materials, calculations for engineers, design principles, CAD CAM, electronic and electrical systems and operational maintenance

Principals of engineering design in relation to producing designs, producing and interpreting technical information, evaluating, modifying and presenting designs; engineering applications of computers in relation to process control, fault diagnosis and product design; engineering systems, solutions and products in relation to specifications, planning, processes, quality and health and safety; electronic and electrical systems in relation to circuits, use of units and formula, safe working practices; quality control and maintenance 

 

Three topics selected from aeronautical engineering, civil/structural engineering, power generation, control engineering, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering

 


 

Theme

Level

 

1

2

3

Engineering the Future

 

 

 

New engineering technologies; ways in which engineering will be used in the future; impact of engineering on the wider world, all in relation to new materials and systems, energy sources, alternative energy and recycling and sustainability

Innovative design and enterprise in relation to engineering problems and solutions and environmental and social impact of engineering and sustainability; impact of technological change on businesses, the economy and society, in relation to new materials, technologies, products and processes, research and development and energy requirements and sustainable resources

Role of engineering in the context of everyday living, including the positive and negative impact of engineering on society and the environment, the sustainability of businesses and resources in the 21st century and the moral and ethical judgements and beliefs of engineering and how they could enable environmental solutions and support the work/life balance

Analytical Methods for Engineering

 

 

 

 

Not required at this level

Application of mathematical and scientific principles in relation to a minimum of two of engineering areas from transportation, manufacturing, energy generation/processing, engineering systems, electrical/electronics, mechanical, process and maintenance engineering

Application of underpinning maths and physics content and analytical methods within an engineering context, in relation to the development of mathematical and scientific ideas, thinking logically, understanding mathematical and scientific concepts, building appropriate mathematical and scientific models, solving problems using mathematical and scientific techniques and developing critical thinking and reasoning techniques to analyse mathematical and scientific data

Theme

Level

 

1

2

3

Maintenance and building services

Not required at this level

Not required at this level

Importance of planned maintenance for engineered systems and products in terms of cost, loss of production time or use of product

 


 

 

 

Additional and specialist topics and pathways[9]:

 

Additional topics will be available in languages, customer service and health and safety at levels 1 and 2. Further additional topics will be created during qualification development.

 

Specialist topics will be available as follows:

 

Level

Pathways

Specialist (depth)

1

tbc

Foundation skills for vehicle maintenance

 

 

Foundation skills for fitting and repair

 

 

Foundation skills for body and paint

 

 

Foundation skills for vehicle electrical systems

 

 

Introduction to transport engineering

 

 

Computer upgrading and maintenance

 

 

Understanding automated technologies (pneumatics)

 

 

Understanding machining engineering materials

 

 

Cutting and forming engineering materials

 

 

Planning and making a machined product (double topic)

2

tbc

Intermediate skills for motor vehicle principles (double topic)

 

 

Intermediate skills for vehicle maintenance (double topic)

 

 

Intermediate skills for fitting and repair

 

 

Intermediate skills for body and paint (double topic)

 

 

Intermediate skills for motorsports (double topic)

 

 

Intermediate skills for in electrical and electronic systems (double topic)

 

 

Petroleum technology (double topic)

 

 

The process industry (double topic)

 

 

Introduction to utilities engineering

 

 

Renewable energy

 

 

Engineering and maintenance in bus and coach industries (double topic)

 

 

Engineering and maintenance in the rail industry (double topic)

 

 

New technologies (eg. nanotechnology)

 

 

Robotics (double topic)

 

 

Bioengineering (double topic)

 

 

Aerospace engineering (double topic)

 

 

Medical engineering (applications of physics) (double topic)

 

 

Business improvement technologies

 

 

Telecommunications technologies (double topic)

 

 

Business enterprise

 

 

Programming CNC machines (double topic)

 

 

Welding and fabrication – fabrication processes

 

 

Performing heating and ventilation operations

 

 

Performing refrigeration and air-conditioning operations

 

 

Performing plumbing operations

Level

Pathways

Specialist (depth)

2

 

Building services engineering

3

tbc

Advanced skills in vehicle electrical systems (double topic)

 

 

Advanced skills in vehicle electronic components (double topic)

 

 

Advanced skills in vehicle electronic ancillary and information systems (double topic)

 

 

Industrial applications of chemical reactions (double topic)

 

 

Industrial applications of organic chemistry (double topic)

 

 

Plastics processing (double topic)

 

 

Polymer science (double topic)

 

 

Polymer technology (double topic)

 

 

Practical chemical analysis (double topic)

 

 

Chemical and process engineering

 

 

Renewable energy

 

 

Engineering and maintenance in bus and coach industries (double topic)

 

 

Engineering and maintenance in the rail industry (double topic)

 

 

Sports engineering (double topic)

 

 

Biomechanics (double topic)

 

 

Medical instrumentation (double topic)

 

 

Marine engineering (double topic)

 

 

Nuclear and particle physics (double topic)

 

 

Aerospace engineering principles and practice (double topic)

 

 

Aerodynamics (double topic)

 

 

Building services engineering (mechanical)

 

 

Building services engineering (electrical)

 

 

 

Detailed information about the Diploma in Engineering can be found at www.engineeringdiploma.com

 

 

 


Health and Social Care

 

Purpose

 

Overall:

 

To provide, through a blend of general education and applied learning a programme which:

 

·         places the intrinsic value of all human beings its heart;

·         gives young people an understanding of the health, social care, children’s and community justice workforces;

·         develops essential transferable skills associated with problem-solving, creative thinking, team working, communication and generating ideas.

 

Level 1:

To provide an introductory programme that:

 

·         develops an awareness of the purpose, structure and practical workings of the health, social care, community justice and the children’s sectors;

·         identifies principles and values in relation to legislation and codes of practice;

·         explores the importance of partnership working, communication, information sharing and health and safety issues;

·         develops an understanding of the relationships between lifestyle and health and wellbeing, and the cyclical nature of service delivery;

·         builds a basic awareness of pre-natal, child, young person and adult development.

 

Level 2:

To provide a programme that develops a broad understanding and working knowledge of:

 

·         partnership working, communication, information sharing and health and safety issues in selected sectors;

·         personal and professional development needs within the sector, linked to reflective learning;

·         safeguarding and protecting individuals from harm and abuse;

·         infection prevention and control;

·         health, wellbeing, lifestyle, needs and human growth and development

·         causes and impact of offending behaviour;

·         supporting children and young people’s development;

·         health care services, procedures and medication;

·         the social care model.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3:

 

To provide a programme that develops a range of analytical and investigative skills and knowledge in relation to:

 

·         the dynamics of the sector context, its underlying principles of valuing individuals and how this can conflict with service provision and the role of the professional;

·         partnership working, including information sharing and the challenges of planning and managing resources within a finite provision;

·         the importance of continuing professional development in relation to the quality of provision in each sector;

·         the use of current evidence applied in the workplace for the care, development, protection and safety of the individual.

 


 

Principal Learning Themes:

 

Theme

Level

 

1[10]

2[11]

3[12]

The sector context

Overall purpose, structure and practical workings of the health, social care, children and young people’s workforce, and the justice sector

Not applicable at this level as it is integrated into each of the sector specific themes

How services are delivered across the different sectors, locally, regionally and nationally; impact of selected policies or reforms on service provision; interface between different types of service provision across the sectors

Principles and values

Awareness of key principles and values enshrined in legislation and codes of practice, and importance of confidentiality

Diversity, equal opportunities, culture and belief systems and inappropriate behaviour

Protecting and promoting the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups; impact of diversity and equal opportunities on practice in each sector; confidentiality and disclosure balance

Partnership working

Importance of partnership and team-working and relationship with individuals receiving services

Dynamics of partnership working in selected sectors and services

Dynamics of partnership working in selected sectors and services including statutory and non-statutory arrangements; central role of people using services in partnership working


 

Theme

Level

 

1

2

3

Communication and information sharing

Communication methods and skills, importance of information sharing and record keeping

Factors affecting successful communication in sector specific contexts; terminology used in sectors; methods of information sharing and record keeping in different sectors and groups of people

Analysing barriers to successful communication, information sharing and record keeping in different sectors and groups of people; identifying and minimising risks

Health, safety, security, risk

Key legislation and policies put in place to maintain, health, safety and security; assessing risks to self and others; main causes of infection; methods for protecting individuals from harm and abuse

Legislation and regulations put in place to maintain, health, safety and security; organisational polices and procedures; maintaining a healthy, safe and secure environment; dealing with health emergencies

Legislation and regulations put in place to maintain, health, safety and security; organisational polices and procedures; risk assessments; conflict resolution and coping strategies; maintaining a healthy, safe and secure environment; dealing with health emergencies; challenges and issue resolution options

Health, wellbeing and lifestyle

Activities and factors affecting health and wellbeing, including the assessment and management of health and wellbeing through selected examples

Activities and factors affecting health and wellbeing; personal health plans; promoting health and wellbeing

Available as an additional/specialist theme

Addressing needs

Breadth of individual needs; examples of interventions

Breadth and assessment of individual needs; examples of interventions and involvement of individuals receiving services

Available as an additional/specialist theme


 

Theme

Level

 

1

2

3

Human growth and development

Key developmental aspects; baseline measurements; importance of play; life events and their impact

Key developmental aspects; methods of assessment and observation and the role of the four sectors; life events and their impact

Available as an additional/specialist theme

Personal and professional development

Not applicable at this level (covered through the reflective learner section of the PLTS)

Methods of personal and professional development and the concept of ‘reflective practice’

Impact of personal and professional development and ‘reflective practice’ on the quality of service; personal development plans; role of research and support organisations

Safeguard and protect individuals

Integrated into principles and values and the health, safety, security and risk themes

Key legislation and organisational procedures; procedures for identifying individuals potentially at risk and importance of reporting and follow-up procedures

Key legislation and organisational procedures and their impact on professional practice; procedures for identifying and protecting individuals at risk

Infection prevention and control

Not required at this level

Types and causes of infection and standard precautions to prevent spread; food hygiene

Available as an additional/specialist topic

Causes and impact of offending behaviour

Not required at this level

Overall purpose and structure of the justice sector; patterns of and factors affecting offending behaviour; Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships; penalties; impact of crime on individuals

Available through additional/specialist topics


 

Theme

Level

 

1

2

3

Supporting children and young people’s development

Not required at this level

Areas of development and activities contributing to and supporting growth and wellbeing; purpose, structure and role of the children and young people’s workforce

Available through additional/specialist topics

Health care services, procedures and medication

Not required at this level

Purpose and structure of the health sector; common conditions and treatments and their impact on individuals; normal baselines and their measurement

Available through additional/specialist topics

The social care model

 

Not required at this level

Purpose and structure of the social care sector; social care models and methods; balancing competing priorities

Available through additional/specialist topics

 

 

 

 

 


Additional and specialist topics and pathways:

 

Additional topics will be created during qualification development.  For some progression pathways there are HEI defined entry requirements relating to current A levels that may be incorporated.

 

Specialist topics will be available as follows:

 

Level

Pathways

Specialist (depth)

1

Not applicable at this level

tbc

2

Not applicable at this level

tbc

3

Society, Health and Development

Addressing needs

 

 

Infection prevention and control

 

 

Health, wellbeing and lifestyle

 

 

Supporting adults through transitions

 

Society, Health and Development (Justice)

Causes of, and responses to, offending behaviour

 

 

The impact of offending behaviour on individuals and communities

 

Society, Health and Development (Children and Young People)

Supporting children and young people’s development

 

 

Play and learning

 

 

Supporting children and young people through transitional processes

 

Society, Health and Development (Health)

Health conditions and treatments

 

 

Nutrition and health

 

Society, Health and Development (Social Care)

Promoting independence in social care

 

 

Group work in social care

 

 

Leadership and management

 

 

Ethical dilemmas, judgements and decision making in social care practice

 

 Detailed information about the Diploma in Health and Social Care can be found at www.skillsforhealth.org.uk

 


IT

 

Purpose

 

Overall:

 

To provide, through a blend of general education and applied learning a programme which:

 

·         reflects the blend of business, technical and interpersonal skills needed in modern IT and Telecoms professional roles;

·         develops valued transferable skills in English and communications; Maths; project management; and Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills; 

·         encourages more students into technology-related careers through inspirational, exciting content that is equally attractive to girls and boys.

 

Level 1:

To provide an introductory programme that:

 

·         provides an introduction to the use of technology by businesses;

·         enables a learner to create a simple technology system;

·         develops problem solving and communication skills.

 

Level 2:

To provide a programme that develops a broad understanding and working knowledge of:

 

·         how technology is transforming organisations;

·         the design of technology systems to meet identified business needs;

·         problem solving in a technical environment;

·         personal effectiveness in a business-like environment, in particular the use of language and number.

 

Level 3:

To provide a programme that develops a range of analytical and investigative skills and knowledge in relation to:

 

·         the contribution of technology in the current global business environment; organisational structures and styles, with particular reference to the impact of technology; 

·         the success or failure of projects, and the development of high quality project plans;

·         technology fundamentals, including designing, developing and testing technology solutions that deliver identified business benefits;

·         managing technology system operations including systems availability, technical problem solving and change management;

·         operating effectively in the business environment, including English and Maths to the standards required in the professional workplace.


 

Principal Learning Themes[13]:

 

Theme

Level

 

1

2

3

Business

The digital world: the range of ways in which technology helps businesses to achieve their objectives

Technology in business